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Newcastle's record goalscorer Alan Shearer is to be recognised by a statue in his home city.

Will Shearer's statue be made mimicking his famous celebration? Credit: PA

Former Magpies chairman Freddy Shepherd has resurrected plans to establish a permanent tribute to the now 44-year-old, who scored 206 goals for the club during a glittering 10-year career on Tyneside.

Northumberland artist Tom Maley, who was initially commissioned eight years ago, will now complete the 9'6" statue, which will take four months to cast, with Shepherd's family business, Shepherd Offshore, covering the cost.

The former Newcastle supremo told Press Association Sport:

It's been resurrected. We have commissioned Tom Maley to finish it off - the family thought it was the right thing to do.

We, along with the Halls, signed him and he was a great servant to Newcastle, so that's why we are doing it.

The idea was to put it in the Exhibition Park Museum, but we have had so many enquiries from the city about where to put it, so what we are doing is getting it finished first and then we will worry about where it's going to go.

Alan Shearer and Robbie Savage will tackle each other in a five-day Sport Relief challenge to see who can sit on 45,000 Wembley Stadium seats in the fastest time.

Alan Shearer and Robbie Savage are tackling each other in a bid to be top of the bottoms in a Sport Relief challenge. Credit: PA

Shearer Vs Savage: The Battle of the Backsides will see the pundits divvy up Wembley Stadium's 90,000 seats from March 10-14 and attempt the sit-off, with each aiming to be the first to complete 45,000 chairs and reach the winning post, the royal box.

Match Of The Day star Shearer said: "Even at the peak of my career this challenge would have been tough on my body. However, now I am a retired footballer - so it's going to be a challenge of physical and mental endurance. I can't let Rob win; I'd never live it down."

Savage added: "Alan does have an advantage as his butt is larger than mine - but my bottom is ready for the challenge."

To support the challenge, members of the public are being encouraged to enter a competition at www.sportrelief.com/backsides with the chance to win tickets to see England play at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, a day watching tennis at Wimbledon or a chance to see One Direction playing on tour.